Surah An-Nisa (4:54)
أَمْيَحْسُدُونَالنَّاسَعَلَىٰمَاآتَاهُمُاللَّـهُمِنفَضْلِهِۖفَقَدْآتَيْنَاآلَإِبْرَاهِيمَالْكِتَابَوَالْحِكْمَةَوَآتَيْنَاهُممُّلْكًاعَظِيمًا ﴿٥٤﴾
English Transliteration
Am yahsudoonan-naasa ‘alaa maa aataahumul-laahu min fadlih; faqad aatainaa aala Ibraaheemal-Kitaaba wal-hikmata wa aatainahum mulkan ‘azeemaa.
English Translation (Saheeh International)
Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.
Bengali Translation (বাংলা অনুবাদ)
(৫৪) «বরং তারা কি লোকদেরকে হিংসা করে, আল্লাহ স্বীয় অনুগ্রহে তাদেরকে যা দিয়েছেন তার কারণে? তাহলে তো আমি ইবরাহীমের বংশধরকে কিতাব ও হিকমত দান করেছি এবং তাদেরকে দিয়েছি বিশাল রাজত্ব।’’»
In Ruqyah Shari’ah (Quranic healing), Surah An-Nisa (4:54) is utilized as a vital Diagnostic and Curative Verse for Malicious Envy (Ayat al-Hasad):
1. Neutralizing and Reversing Malicious Envy (Hasad)
- Spiritual Principle: Envy is the spiritual root that feeds the Evil Eye (Al-‘Ayn) and opens the door to dark spiritual intrusions. This verse directly confronts the reality and psychological sickness of Hasad.
- Ruqyah Application: Recited continuously during Ruqyah sessions when treating individuals suffering from chronic blockages, sudden loss of blessings, business failures, or physical illness caused by the envy of others. It is blown over drinking water or olive oil to purify the heart and body from the toxic residue of jealous gazes.
2. Healing Heart Diseases (Resentment, Bitterness, and Jealousy)
- Spiritual Principle: Beyond protecting against external envy, this verse serves as a mirror for the soul to purge internal jealousy, teaching the believer to accept Allah’s distribution of provisions and grace without resentment.
- Ruqyah Application: Used in spiritual counseling and self-reflection to cure internal bitterness, feelings of inadequacy, and destructive comparisons with others.
3. Restoring Contentment and Psychological Peace (Sakinah)
- Spiritual Principle: Envious attacks often leave the victim feeling emotionally heavy, oppressed, and restless. Reciting this verse re-establishes trust in Allah’s ultimate justice and generous allocation of bounty.
- Ruqyah Application: Incorporated into daily protective recitations (Wird) to fortify the emotional and spiritual state against the unseen stings of malice and spite.
📖 Hadith Reference
Authentic Hadith References
1. The Destructive Nature of Envy (Hasad)
Narrator: Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Hadith: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) warned:
«إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْحَسَدَ، فَإِنَّ الْحَسَدَ يَأْكُلُ الْحَسَنَاتِ كَمَا تَأْكُلُ النَّارُ الْحَطَبَ»
"Beware of envy, for indeed envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood."
Reference: Sunan Abu Dawud 4903 (Graded Hasan by Al-Albani).
📜 Tafsir / Commentary
Classical mufassireen explain the nature, root cause, and condemnation of envy (Hasad) addressed in this verse:
1. The Condemnation of Envy (Hasad) Against Divine Blessings
Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Imam Ibn Kathir explains that this verse was revealed regarding the disbelievers (or the People of the Book) who felt deep resentment and envy toward Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Companions because Allah blessed them with prophethood, revelation, and victory. Envy (Hasad) fundamentally objects to Allah’s distribution of His bounty (Fadl), as the envious person is essentially disgruntled that Allah chose to bless someone else.
Tafsir Al-Qurtubi: Imam Al-Qurtubi notes that Hasad is one of the most destructive spiritual diseases of the heart. He highlights that Allah reminds the deniers of history: true honor, scripture, wisdom, and authority belong to Allah alone, and He bestows them upon whom He wills. Resenting His decree only leads to spiritual ruin and self-torment.